Schefflera Samoa

Light: Maintain the attractive foliage by growing in high light areas of the home and patio.

Water: Thoroughly moisten when the surface soil becomes dry to the touch.

Fertilization: Feed monthly with a house-plant product.

Propagation: The species arboricola is quick to root from stem cuttings stuck in vermiculite or a loose potting mix.

Special features: Variety 'samoa' is a selection of the extremely durable Hawaiian schefflera. Young plants are frequently marketed for desk or tabletop display. Subsequent growth will produce a 3- to 4-foot-tall floor specimen.

Develop well-branched plants by periodically pinching back the new growths. This species does harbor aphids, which are easily controlled with soapy water or a house-plant insecticide.